Surprise!
You've got to admire the hutzpah of people running a successful double-surprise birthday party without having a traitor colluding on the inside...
Thanks to Kraut and Pocus friends Dan and Allison for executing a successful hoodwinking of yours truly and my bride (our birthdays are three days apart) and thanks to all Kelowna friends, new and old, who decided to attend.
Dan, as always your Scotch selection is without par...
The Good Ol' Hockey Game
The Globe reports on hockey fandom.
How much damage did the National Hockey League inflict on itself by cancelling an entire season?
According to a Toronto research company, the 2004-05 lockout cost the NHL two million fans in Canada.
According to a Toronto research company, the 2004-05 lockout cost the NHL two million fans in Canada.
What's weird is that I'm completely the opposite - for the first time in a while, I'm actually looking forward to the NHL season.
Let me explain.
Eleven years ago my employer at the time moved me from Vancouver to Toronto. This was right after the comeback Canucks had made their almost Cup-run in 1994. Everyone was giving me the same old "how could you leave Vancover for grimy old Toronto" yada yada yada - this from people who'd never been east of Calgary...but I digress.
I went east with the idea of experiencing the REAL hockey fandom of the Leafs and Canadiens - not the latté-licking, bandwagon-jumping temporary insanity of the west-coast hockey fan once one of their teams makes it past the first round - you real hockey fans in BC KNOW WHAT I MEAN - and was looking forward to actually having a beer in one of Don Cherry's drinking establishments and staying 'til one in the morning for the double-header to be over on Saturday night.
So I went east...
...during the strike of the '94-'95 season.
And the sports bars were empty on Saturday nights.
Eventually I found other things to do. When hockey came back, I didn't give a damn anymore, except around the occasional game that happened to fit into my schedule, rather than me making any kind of special arrangement to move my activities around seeing a game...
If it was on TV, I'd watch a couple of minutes, get bored, then pick up a book or surf the net...There would always be another game on somewhere.
The NHL had lost me. Like Star Trek had lost me with too many shows of questionable quality, the NHL had lost me with too many teams of questionable quality.
For years I couldn't really care about NHL hockey at all. I can't even tell you who the last five Stanley Cup winners were.
Then the NHL went away.
They gave me time to miss them.
I know I know. This wasn't about me. Intransigent owners, greedy players, unions and management run amok, yeah yeah yeah.
But the result is the same. I began to MISS them.
I'm actually planning to watch when it comes back, which is a damn sight more than I wanted to do before the interruption happened.
Could it be that polls and surveys might be wrong?
Go Canucks!
Go Leafs!
Go Avalanche!
Go Bruins!
I Canna change the Laws o' Physics, Cap'n
Last August I learned that James Doohan had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was retiring.I didn't know him, I'm just a fan, but I found myself quite saddened today to learn of his death this morning.
He was also one tough SOB.
At 19, James escaped the turmoil at home by joining the Canadian army, becoming a lieutenant in artillery. He was among the Canadian forces that landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. "The sea was rough," he recalled. "We were more afraid of drowning than the Germans."
The Canadians crossed a minefield laid for tanks; the soldiers weren't heavy enough to detonate the bombs. At 11:30 that night, he was machine-gunned, taking six hits: one that took off his middle right finger (he managed to hide the missing finger on screen), four in his leg and one in the chest. The chest bullet was stopped by his silver cigarette case.
The Canadians crossed a minefield laid for tanks; the soldiers weren't heavy enough to detonate the bombs. At 11:30 that night, he was machine-gunned, taking six hits: one that took off his middle right finger (he managed to hide the missing finger on screen), four in his leg and one in the chest. The chest bullet was stopped by his silver cigarette case.
Insert flippant comment about the life-preserving nature of cigarettes.
Now that's what I call a life. Active and popular 'til the end (his last child was born in 2000, when the man was 80!).
Warpspeed, Mr. Scott. Warpspeed.
Do not adjust your set
Funny how a denial of service attack makes me miss my blog.
We'll see if the tech difficulties are over yet...
Extended Warranty
I had lunch in the mall today
I passed by a local video game retailer who shall remain nameless. As I browsed I overheard the shopkeeper selling extended warranties on VIDEO GAMES.
I'll say that again.
They were pitching extended warranties on video games.
Extended warranty is the retailer's cash cow. Most products either break immediately or last well past the extended warranty expiry date, meaning that the actual cost for the retailers to service something under extended is a helluva lot less than what they are charging.
Back in the day when I worked at another well-known electronics retailer who shall remain nameless, we were told to push extended warranty until it was past the magic number of 17% of sales, because extended warranty profit margin was 45%.
Let me say that again. Extended warranty had a 45% profit margin.
Sales guys/gals didn't get promoted unless their extended warranty sales topped 20%.
And today this frazzled mom shelled out $10 to cover the 3 games she bought. It must be nice to have the money to waste...
Red Ensign Standard XXV
Many historians and writers consider the Canadian victory at Vimy a defining moment for Canada, when the country emerged from under the shadow of Britain and felt capable of greatness. Canadian troops also earned a reputation as formidable, effective troops because of the stunning success. But it was a victory at a terrible cost, with more than 10,000 killed and wounded.
The Canadian Corps was ordered to seize Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Situated in northern France, the heavily-fortified seven-kilometre ridge held a commanding view over the Allied lines. The Canadians would be assaulting over an open graveyard since previous French attacks had failed with over 100,000 casualties.
The Canadian Corps was ordered to seize Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Situated in northern France, the heavily-fortified seven-kilometre ridge held a commanding view over the Allied lines. The Canadians would be assaulting over an open graveyard since previous French attacks had failed with over 100,000 casualties.
from The Battle of Vimy Ridge, 9-12 April 1917
This is one of only 2 known existing Red Ensign Flags that were actually at Vimy Ridge.
The other one is in Ottawa.
I visited this flag today in a quiet little museum in Penticton, British Columbia. There was only one other visitor to this museum while I was there- a mother and her young son who waited patiently as I snapped this photo. She was telling him about her great grandfather - his great great grandfather - who marched off to war with his best friend, looking for an adventure to serve God and Country.
He came back alone.
This was the price that Canadians paid to have their country be considered a country at all, and not some backwater colony forever under the shadow of King and Commonwealth.
These boys paid the price and believed that it was worth it - that their sacrifice was worth it and that this country, Canada, our home, was worth the price in the blood of young men that would never see their hometowns again.
What they gave us we will never be able to repay.
But we can try.
We can remember.
Courage. Honour. Sacrifice.
More than mere words.
This is the second time I have hosted the Red Ensign Standard. The first time I hosted there were 17 member blogs. Today there are 60. Tomorrow there will be more.We've had debates on who and what we are as a group -- I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say that we have a pretty diverse cross-section of opinion: Conservatives, some (one?) Liberals and Socialists, Libertarians, Anarchists (maybe, I have my suspicions), Aging Boomers (Hippies!), New Wavers, Epicureans, Grouchy Old Men, Snot-Nosed Punks, Tasteless Culture Vultures, the over-educated and the under-employed...it's a "big tent."
The overwhelming consensus of this group is that they believe in freedom, individuality, and above all, truth.
Even if that truth sometimes hurts.
The sum of all our answer is but this:
We would not seek a battle, as we are;
Nor, as we are, we say we will not shun it:
So without further ado I give you the 25th edition of the Red Ensign Standard. 60 blogs over two weeks...
Canada Day
...and many arguments were started. Many of us of a certain age will still defiantly say "Dominion Day" and get funny looks from the 20 year olds...
Chriscam wishes us a Happy Canada Day - God Save Our Land Glorious And Free - with Pictures!
Just between us Girls tells us about the Battle that Saved Canada
The most significant point is far less known and far more important. The Battle of Crysler's Farm was not only the battle that saved Canada, but the first time in Canadian history that British, French and First Nation soldiers fought together for the sovereignty of Canada. So, while July 1 may be good for boating, fishing and camping I think we would be better served by celebrating our national holiday on October 17.
A Chick Named Marzi is doing some political soul-searching this Canada Day
I have never understood people who support a political party at the expense of all common sense. I can't understand some of the emails I get from people who read this blog and accuse me of being an ignorant right-winger: are you even *reading* this blog?
Andrew at Bound By Gravity relates the tale of a Canada Day to be lamented: Dominion Day 1916 and also answers some personal questions about My Canada
The Monarchist takes the same test and, surprise! comes out in favour of the monarchy. Sometimes predictability is a virtue.
Jason Hayes at Musing echoes many other statements I have seen regarding our fair nation: Canada Day
I am seeing the country slide further and further off of its political, moral, and tranditional moorings and descend further into the abyss of relativism, political correctness, abuse of (actual) rights and statism.
Paul Denton at Ravishing Light provides the questions to a test that only one randomly chosen participant answered with 100% accuracy. Take the test and see how you'd do. I won't tell you my score.
Curt at Northwestern Winds finds solace in a more private way in The Canada I cherish...
Canadian Sue of Turning 30 and a half has her blog covered in Red Serge on proud display on Dominion Day.
The Last Amazon is Remembering Dominion Day
I stopped celebrating Dominion Day when it became Canada Day. I have yet to have it explained rationally why the Dominion of Canada needed to repatriate the constitution. I failed to see what was wrong with the old constitution and I have yet to see or experience any benefit as a Canadian citizen
News of the Week(s)
A Chick Named Marzi discusses breasts. (What do you want to bet this link gets the most clickage? Just remember: there is no truth in advertising.
Rebecca at Doxology isn't surprised that C-38 has passed: Same sex, done deal.
Grandinite points out that not only gamblers are addicted to gambling
Paul at Ravishing Light points out how some people are fighting to keep you from wasting your own money in whatever pointless fashion you wish.
Occam's Carbuncle shows how Berlin is revising history: by erasing it.
Nicholas tells that Scotland has banned the Claymore again. Now if only they could enforce underwear under those kilts...
Toyota announces new Ontario plant - Raging Ranter
Now if that were GM or Ford making the announcement, there would be ministers from both levels of government standing along side the auto industry execs as they boasted about how many jobs the new plant would create, thanks to the government's "investment".
Supreme Court trashes constitution. Ed of Robot Guy tells us how your home isn't necessary your home if Pfizer wants it. Or might I add Walmart?
First the Blogging Tories, now the Podcasing Tories. Multimedia at its right wing best, hopefully.
Environmental irony. Stephen Taylor points out a Hummer being used in an environmental contest. Irony indeed. Leady and steely, too.
The London Fog: Vancouver snubs Walmart
West Coast Chaos reports on the chaos caused on the west coast by crashing ferries (no rude jokes allowed)
Commentary
Being Canadian in a Red State. Grandinite relates a friend's experiences in the Red States.
Rue tackles her views on abortion, the "A word" that every politician in Canada runs screaming from the second anyone wants to talk about it. Sticking our heads in the sand isn't a solution.
MK Braaten talks about the Downfall of the American automobile. I reached the same conclusion with a Ford Contour I owned, even though it went like stink.
Dirtcrashr: Contrast Gitmo with Saudi Arabia
If it was a Bible and you were in Saudia Arabia, that's grounds for arrest by The Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice - the religious police, or the Muttawa, and quite possible Un-Gitmo non-Happy Meals in an Un-happy prison.
"If only he had not become the emperor, everyone would have said what an excellent emperor he would have made." - Canadian Comment quotes Tacitus in relation to Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Canadi-anna thinks that Martin and the Liberals are a success. No, really! It just depends on how you measure success
Jason Hayes of Musing scewers the gun registry and the RCMP's lack of response to freedom of information requests.
Brazil shakes down drug companies according to our famous Green Baron
Conservative Party spirals downward. Alan of Gen X at 40 almost sounds sympathetic:
Good faithful Tory supporters are being shamed by these fools. Canada deserves a better opposition and Tories deserve leaders who have some grasp on reality. I'd be worried to attend a BBQ with these guys this summer for fear of their starter fluid technique.
Sleeping Tories. Fair or unfair the Tories need better tacticians. Are they listening?
Rhetoricking with Myself likes Rona Ambrose. Oh and the Conservative childcare plan, too.
Keith thinks it strange that people think it strange the Swedes and Ozzies are angry about being kidnapped: Is it funny that no one has tried revenge?
Big Mac economics are back, says Myrick
The Monarchist Goes Mainstream. Media, that is. Sort of.
Other Peoples' Values is on Curt's mind at Northwestern Winds.
We bloggers forget that we are NOT representative of the population at large far too often. As Intelligentsia, we are far more prone to give in to various forms of gnosticism, divorcing ideas from the logistic considerations that normally drive people who spend their time working with things. Most of these people don't blog; but they might be persuaded to vote. This is about as settled as abortion, which 30 years on, is still contentious - as bad policy and bad law should be.
Enough with the immigrant bashing says Toronto Tory. Hear Hear says Raging Kraut, your humble host
The Meatriarchy Lives!
Universal Healthcare = Universal Mediocracy? questions Tipper at Tipperography.
Beware China
Chris Cam: China tries to take Unocal.
John the Mad points to the fact that China is building forces faster than expected
Angry in T.O. shows us the Canada-Taiwan checklist
China cracks down on Bloggers and Kate at the Last Amazon points out big name collaborators.
News of the Weird
John of Argggh's Wacky Brit Obituaries and other things
Mad Sister goes Seinfeldian...
Angry in Toronto points out an eco-terrorist/Foodist
Replacing Liberty with Empire - Jay Jardine points out something sinister with regard to NY license plates.
Sports/Entertainment
Pope Bilbo Victor likes the idea of Ian Holm in the role...
James of Hammer into Anvil points out British stars arguing about their right to offend
James' significant other's Doctor Who reaction mirrors Rue's, but don't say I told you.
Speaking of the fabulous Rue, a portion of her Podcast was played on the CBC NATIONALLY last week and she sounded incroyable!
Rue's Podcast is also on a pilot for a regular show on the CBC
Ith is creeped by Katie Holmes' new religion and Rue's long-term aversion to Tom cruise has finally been given cause. Sue's also kissing Maverick goodbye for good.
Conservative Hipster has a movie/politics contest (yeah, I thought that was unique too!)
Affleck U-turns illegally in Vancouver. This made the news? Are we still calling him Bennifer? Bennifer II? Or is Jennifer Garner not big enough to join in the gestalt entity? - Jay Jardine is on the trail.
Cookie Hood: The London Fog debates the mixed economy of Sesame Street.
Temujin of West Coast Chaos encounters a Predator (without the Guvernator or Danny Glover in sight!)
Live8
Dust My Broom - other charities refused at Live8 to keep event "pure"??
Rebecca of doxology - Why I tuned out.
Ryan at Blue Perspective argues that aid should be tied to reform . I argue the same thing here.
Canadian Stars take time off of Moose Jaw tour. No offense meant to Moose Jaw residents.
Let me say that again in case you missed it: they are not idealists but, instead, they believe they can wipe out world poverty by putting on a rock show.
West Coast Chaos offers something precious to see a re-united Pink Floyd.
Karla Homolka
Vile Vile Vile
It boggles the mind that someone so unspeakably and unapologetically EVIL will soon be walking the streets. I can't even think of a punishment harsh enough for "people" like Homolka and Bernardo because clearly they're too conscienceless and morally bankrupt to be hurt or bothered by anything. Without a conscience, what can possibly hurt you or make you fully grasp the horror of what you've done?
Darcey notes that Karla wants to be left alone, but also might want to profit from her "story."
If that happens as far as I’m concerned she’s public property. Also can a judge actually place a ban on reporting on a free person? Poor Karla, she should have thought of that before killing.
Peter Rempel takes a step back and believes that the law should be followed.
Here’s the brutal truth: Homolka was sentenced and served her time. She should be subject to no more restrictions than is any other ex-con. The fact that “Canadians are outraged” doesn’t make a damn difference, or at least it should not in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
Toronto Tory points out that she's getting welfare too...Rhymes with clucking bell...
Welcome Back
Striving against opposition is back with a roundup, and nothing since June 23...Hope we don't have to put out another APB!
Absent Friends
Brigadiers with no postings between June 20 and July 3, 2005
Paul at Agitprop | Damian Brooks | Blue Tory | Candepundit | Dr. Funk | The Tiger in Winter | Exit Stage Right | Right Jab | Chris Taylor | John at hypothesis.ca | Jay Random of Shiny Happy Gulag | Ben of Skeet Skeet Skeet | Trudeaupia
Same Red Ensign Time, Different Red Ensign Channel
Thanks for reading! I hope you've enjoyed your time here.
In two week's time turn to Ed at Robot Guy who is hosting the 26th Edition of the Red Ensign Standard.
Canada Day
To all passerbys who happen to stop in to this little corner of the internet:
Happy Canada Day!
Many of us may be
Turn off the news.
Go outside.
Eat and drink WAY too much, for Monday will be business as usual.
Don't let politics ruin such a lovely day!
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Gross Display of Most Naked Capitalism
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Red Ensign Blogs for Victory!
-- One of the Original Red Ensigns carried by the Penticton 1st Volunteers. It was present at Vimy Ridge when our little Dominion stood up and became a nation worth fighting for...
And Lastly...
